Santenay
1er Cru La Maladière 2023
This is the Côte d’Or’s southernmost appellation, located just to the south of Chassagne-Montrachet …
Origin
Santenay’s vineyards stretch across 400 ha of which 123 ha are planted with Premier Cru vines, divided into 3 distinct zones.
La Maladière, located above the village takes shape looking east, sitting on cracked limestone covered with a thin layer of marl.
In old French, "La Maladière" means "establishment of assistance to the sick". These establishments received donations. This climate name in Santenay refers to one that belonged to the Maladière de Chagny, a few kilometers away.
Viticulture
Grape variety: pinot noir
Soils: stony hillside, grassy plot.
Orientation: East.
Pruning: Guyot system
Average age of the vines: 49 years old.
Vinification
Harvest date: 6 September 2023.
The grapes were handpicked. First sorting in the vineyard, second on the sorting table upon receipt of the harvest.
At the winery: 50% of grapes were destemmed but not crushed (they were left whole) and were gravity-fed into tanks. Maceration lasted a total of 21 days including 2 days of cold maceration (12°C). Fermentation used indigenous yeasts only (no additives such as enzymes or tannins were used). 3 punchings of the cap.
Ageing
Maturation: aged on the lees for 18 months with no racking. 33% new French oak barrel.
Barrels: French oak barrels that had been toasted at low temperatures for a long time for very delicate oaking.
Bottling
Bottling: by gravity on March 25, 2025, wine fined with bentonite, very light lenticular filtration.
Number of bottles: 2,430.
Vintage
Fruity and generous
The 2023 vintage experienced unpredictable weather conditions, making work in the vineyards essential for grape quality. Harvesting began in early September under intense heat with the Chardonnays to avoid over-ripening, followed by the reds. The whites will spend two winters in the cellar, while the Pinot Noirs will have undergone short ageing to preserve the fruity aromas. A vintage that brings out the best in each terroir, offering wines that are bright and delicious.
Ageing potential: from 6 to 9 years.
Tasting notes
With its beautiful ruby-red color, this wine expresses great maturity, revealing aromas of crunchy red fruits accompanied by delicate toasty notes. The palate, round and greedy, seduces with its fine tannins and a final touch of vanilla woodiness. A juicy, well-balanced Santenay full of charm.
